Vehicle lower portion structure

ABSTRACT

A reinforcement member disposed at a front portion of a floor panel is disposed angled toward a vehicle width direction inside on progression from a position (input portion on a vehicle width direction outside and vehicle front-rear direction front side of the floor panel toward the vehicle front-rear direction rear side. An outer end portion of the reinforcement member is joined to a rocker, and an inner end portion of the reinforcement member is joined to a floor tunnel portion. When the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, collision load is input in an oblique direction to the position on the vehicle width direction outside and the vehicle front-rear direction front side of the floor panel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a vehicle lower portion structure.

BACKGROUND ART

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2010-23538 describestechnology in which a reinforcement member spans between a front portionside of a side sill (rocker) and a floor frame (floor side member) at anangle. A join portion between the reinforcement member and the floorframe is provided with a weakened portion that has lower strength thanother portions of the floor frame, and the weakened portion deforms inthe event of a vehicle frontal collision, thereby suppressingdeformation of an overall floor panel.

JP-A No. 2013-203111 describes technology provided with a reinforcementmember with a closed cross-section structure that joins a torque box anda front side frame together.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the presentinvention is to provide a vehicle lower portion structure capable ofeffectively transmitting collision load toward a vehicle front-reardirection rear side, or toward a vehicle width direction opposite sideto the collision side, in the event that the vehicle is involved in asmall overlap collision or an oblique collision.

Solution to Problem

A first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle lower portionstructure including: a rocker that is provided running along a vehiclefront-rear direction at a vehicle width direction outside of a floorpanel configuring a floor portion of a vehicle cabin; a floor tunnelportion that extends along the vehicle front-rear direction at a vehiclewidth direction central portion of the floor panel; and a reinforcementmember that is disposed at a vehicle front-rear direction front portionof the floor panel, that is angled toward the vehicle width directioninside on progression toward the vehicle front-rear direction rear sidefrom an input portion present at a position at the vehicle widthdirection outside and at the vehicle front-rear direction front side ofthe floor panel and input with collision load in the event of a frontalcollision at the vehicle width direction outside of the vehicle, andthat connects the input portion and the floor tunnel portion together,wherein a dash panel is provided at the front portion of the floor panelso as to partition between the vehicle cabin and a power unit roomformed at a vehicle front-rear direction front side of the vehiclecabin, and a vehicle front-rear direction front portion of thereinforcement member is connected to either the dash panel, or to a dashcross member extending along the vehicle width direction at the dashpanel.

In the above configuration, the rocker is provided running along thevehicle front-rear direction at the vehicle width direction outside ofthe floor panel. The floor tunnel portion extends along the vehiclefront-rear direction at a vehicle width direction central portion of thefloor panel. The reinforcement member is disposed at the vehiclefront-rear direction front portion of the floor panel. The input portionthat is input with collision load in the event of a frontal collision atthe vehicle width direction outside of the vehicle is at the vehiclewidth direction outside and the vehicle front-rear direction front sideof the floor panel. The reinforcement member is angled toward thevehicle width direction inside on progression from the input portiontoward the vehicle front-rear direction rear side, and connects theinput portion and the floor tunnel portion together.

In the event that the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision such asa small overlap collision or an oblique collision, collision load isinput to the vehicle width direction outside and the vehicle front-reardirection front side (input portion) of the floor panel. The collisionload input to the input portion in the small overlap collision or theoblique collision can accordingly be effectively transmitted to thefloor tunnel portion through the reinforcement member, since the inputportion and the floor tunnel portion are connected together by thereinforcement member.

In the present aspect, the vehicle front-rear direction front portion ofthe reinforcement member is connected to either the dash panel providedat the front portion of the floor panel, or to the dash cross memberextending along the vehicle width direction at the dash panel.Accordingly, the collision load input to the vehicle in a small overlapcollision or an oblique collision is transmitted from the dash panel orthe dash cross member to the floor tunnel portion through thereinforcement member.

Note that “connects” encompasses cases in which the reinforcement memberis joined to the input portion and/or to the floor tunnel portionindirectly through another member, as well as cases in which thereinforcement member is directly joined to the input portion and thefloor tunnel portion.

In a second aspect of the present invention, configuration may be madesuch that in the first aspect of the present invention, the vehiclefront-rear direction front portion of the reinforcement member is alsoconnected to the rocker.

According to the above configuration, the vehicle front-rear directionfront portion of the reinforcement member is also connected to therocker. Accordingly, the collision load input to the vehicle in a smalloverlap collision or an oblique collision is transmitted from the rockerto the floor tunnel portion through the reinforcement member.

In a third aspect of the present invention configuration may be madesuch that in either the first aspect or the second aspect of the presentinvention: a floor cross member is provided spanning between the rockerand the floor tunnel portion in the vehicle width direction; and atleast a portion of a vehicle front-rear direction rear portion of thereinforcement member is joined to the floor cross member.

In the above configuration, the floor cross member is provided spanningbetween the rocker and the floor tunnel portion in the vehicle widthdirection. At least a portion of the vehicle front-rear direction rearportion of the reinforcement member is joined to the floor cross member.This thereby enables the collision load input to the vehicle in a smalloverlap collision or an oblique collision to be transmitted to the floorcross member as well as the floor tunnel portion as it is beingtransmitted to the floor tunnel portion through the reinforcementmember.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, configuration may be madesuch that in any one of the first aspect to the third aspect of thepresent invention: a floor side member is provided extending along thevehicle front-rear direction between the rocker and the floor tunnelportion; and the reinforcement member straddles the floor side memberand connects the input portion and the floor tunnel portion together.

In the above configuration, the floor side member is provided extendingalong the vehicle front-rear direction between the rocker and the floortunnel portion. The reinforcement member straddles the floor side memberand connects the input portion and the floor tunnel portion together.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is of any one of the firstaspect to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein thereinforcement member is split into a first reinforcement member and asecond reinforcement member by the floor side member, and the firstreinforcement member connects the input portion and the floor sidemember together, and the second reinforcement member connects the floorside member and the floor tunnel portion together.

In the above configuration, the reinforcement member is split into thefirst reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member by thefloor side member. The first reinforcement member connects the inputportion and the floor side member together, and the second reinforcementmember connects the floor side member and the floor tunnel portiontogether.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first aspectto the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the reinforcementmember is disposed below the floor panel in a vehicle up-down direction.

In the above configuration, the reinforcement member is disposed belowthe floor panel in the vehicle up-down direction. This thereby enables aspace inside the vehicle cabin to be made larger than in cases in whichthe reinforcement member is disposed above the floor panel in thevehicle up-down direction.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention exhibitsthe excellent advantageous effect of enabling collision load to beeffectively transmitted toward the vehicle front-rear direction rearside, or toward the vehicle width direction opposite side to the side ofthe collision, through the reinforcement member in the event that thevehicle is involved in a small overlap collision or an obliquecollision.

The second aspect of the present invention exhibits the excellentadvantageous effect of enabling collision load to be effectivelytransmitted from the rocker toward the vehicle front-rear direction rearside through the reinforcement member and the floor tunnel portion.

The third aspect of the present invention exhibits the excellentadvantageous effect of enabling collision load to be dispersed betweenthe floor tunnel portion and the floor cross member.

The fourth aspect of the present invention exhibits the excellentadvantageous effect of enabling the rigidity of the floor panel itselfto be increased.

The fifth aspect of the present invention exhibits the excellentadvantageous effect of enabling collision load transmitted from therocker to be transmitted to the floor tunnel portion through the floorside member.

The sixth aspect of the present invention exhibits the excellentadvantageous effect of enabling a space inside the vehicle cabin to bemade larger than in cases in which the reinforcement member is disposedabove the floor panel in the vehicle up-down direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a vehicle lower portionstructure according to a first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2A is a cross-section illustrating a state sectioned along line A-Ain FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a cross-section illustrating a state sectioned along line B-Bin FIG. 3.

FIG. 2C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2B, illustrating aModified Example (2) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2A, illustrating aModified Example (3) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2B, illustrating aModified Example (3) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2C, illustrating aModified Example (3) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating a Modified Example (1) ofthe vehicle lower portion structure according to the first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2A, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2B, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2C, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2D, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2E, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2F, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2A, illustrating aModified Example (5) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2B, illustrating aModified Example (5) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2C, illustrating aModified Example (5) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2D, illustrating aModified Example (5) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2E, illustrating aModified Example (5) of the vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2F, illustrating aModified Example (5) of the vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5A, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5B, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5C, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5D, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5E, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5F, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5A, illustrating aModified Example (7) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5B, illustrating aModified Example (7) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5C, illustrating aModified Example (7) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5D, illustrating aModified Example (7) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5E, illustrating aModified Example (7) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5F, illustrating aModified Example (7) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7A, illustrating aModified Example (8) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7B, illustrating aModified Example (8) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7C, illustrating aModified Example (8) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7D, illustrating aModified Example (8) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7E, illustrating aModified Example (8) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7F, illustrating aModified Example (8) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view illustrating a vehicle lower portionstructure according to a second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10A is a cross-section illustrating a state sectioned along lineC-C in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2B, illustrating aModified Example (1) of the vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2C, illustrating aModified Example (1) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2D, illustrating aModified Example (1) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2E, illustrating aModified Example (1) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2F, illustrating aModified Example (1) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 1 OA, illustrating aModified Example (2) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 10B, illustrating aModified Example (2) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 10C, illustrating aModified Example (2) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 10D, illustrating aModified Example (2) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 10E, illustrating aModified Example (2) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 10F, illustrating aModified Example (2) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12A is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5A, illustrating aModified Example (3) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5B, illustrating aModified Example (3) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5C, illustrating aModified Example (3) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5D, illustrating aModified Example (3) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5E, illustrating aModified Example (3) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5F, illustrating aModified Example (3) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 12A, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 12B, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 12C, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 12D, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 12E, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 12F, illustrating aModified Example (4) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7A and FIG. 12A,illustrating a Modified Example (5) of a vehicle lower portion structureaccording to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7B and FIG. 12B,illustrating a Modified Example (5) of a vehicle lower portion structureaccording to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7C and FIG. 12C,illustrating a Modified Example (5) of a vehicle lower portion structureaccording to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7D and FIG. 12D,illustrating a Modified Example (5) of a vehicle lower portion structureaccording to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7E and FIG. 12E,illustrating a Modified Example (5) of a vehicle lower portion structureaccording to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7F and FIG. 12F,illustrating a Modified Example (5) of a vehicle lower portion structureaccording to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15A is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 14A, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 14B, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15C is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 14C, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15D is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 14D, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15E is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 14E, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15F is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 14F, illustrating aModified Example (6) of a vehicle lower portion structure according tothe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Explanation follows regarding a vehicle lower portion structureaccording to exemplary embodiments, with reference to the drawings. Inthe drawings, the arrow UP indicates a vehicle upward direction, thearrow FR indicates a vehicle front direction, the arrow RH indicates avehicle right direction, and the arrow LH indicates a vehicle leftdirection, respectively. In the following explanation, unlessspecifically stated otherwise, reference to front and rear, up and down,and left and right directions refers to the front and rear in thevehicle front-rear direction, up and down in the vehicle up-downdirection, and left and right in the vehicle left-right direction(vehicle width direction) respectively.

First Exemplary Embodiment

Vehicle Lower Portion Structure Overall Configuration

First, explanation is given regarding an overall configuration of avehicle lower portion structure according to a first exemplaryembodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle lower portionstructure 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2A is aschematic cross-section illustrating a state sectioned along line A-A inFIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, the vehicle lower portionstructure 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes afloor panel 14 configuring a floor portion of a vehicle cabin 12. Thefloor panel 14 is formed by a thin sheet component such as a steelsheet, and extends in both a vehicle front-rear direction and a vehiclewidth direction.

A vehicle width direction central portion of the floor panel 14 isformed with a floor tunnel portion 16 that protrudes toward the upperside and is open toward the lower side, and that has its lengthdirection running along the vehicle front-rear direction. The floortunnel portion 16 forms a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectionprofile when sectioned along its width direction, this being orthogonalto the length direction. Side walls 16A of the floor tunnel portion 16are formed in a state inclined toward the width direction central sideof the floor tunnel portion 16 on progression upward.

Rocker Configuration

Explanation follows regarding configuration of a rocker. Rockers 18extend along the vehicle front-rear direction at vehicle width directionoutsides of the floor panel 14. Each of the rockers 18 is configuredincluding a rocker outer panel 20 disposed on the vehicle widthdirection outside, and a rocker inner panel 22 disposed on the vehiclewidth direction inside.

When sectioned along the vehicle width direction, the cross-sectionprofile of the rocker outer panel 20 configures a hat shape open towardthe vehicle width direction inside. An upper flange portion 20A extendsout upward from an upper end portion of the rocker outer panel 20. Alower flange portion 20B extends out downward from a lower end portionof the rocker outer panel 20.

When sectioned along the vehicle width direction, the cross-sectionprofile of the rocker inner panel 22 configures a hat shape open towardthe vehicle width direction outside. An upper flange portion 22A extendsout upward from an upper end portion of the rocker inner panel 22. Alower flange portion 22B extends out downward from a lower end portionof the rocker inner panel 22.

The upper flange portion 20A of the rocker outer panel 20 and the upperflange portion 22A of the rocker inner panel 22 are joined together.Moreover, the lower flange portion 20B of the rocker outer panel 20 andthe lower flange portion 22B of the rocker inner panel 22 are joinedtogether. Joining these together forms a polygonal closed cross-sectionportion 24 between the rocker outer panel 20 and the rocker inner panel22. Note that “joining” here refers to spot welding or the like. Similaralso applies to references to joining hereafter.

Upward-extending upper flange portions 14A extend out from both vehiclewidth direction end portions of the floor panel 14 mentioned above. Eachupper flange portion 14A is joined to a vertical wall 22C configuring aportion of the rocker inner panel 22 and formed running along thevehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction.

Dash Panel Configuration

Explanation follows regarding configuration of a dash panel. A dashpanel 26 is provided at a vehicle front-rear direction front side of thefloor panel 14. The dash panel 26 may be formed from a single component,or may be configured from two components, namely an upper portionconfiguring an upper portion of the dash panel 26 and including avertical wall, and a lower portion configuring a lower portion of thedash panel 26 and joined to the floor panel 14. The lower portion mayalso be integrally formed to the floor panel 14.

The dash panel 26 partitions the vehicle cabin 12 from a power unit room28 formed at a vehicle front-rear direction front side of the vehiclecabin 12. The power unit room 28 is capable of housing at least one outof an engine or an electric motor, and may be considered an engine roomin cases in which it only houses an engine.

The dash panel 26 is formed in a state inclined toward the vehiclefront-rear direction front side on progression toward the vehicleup-down direction upper side. A dash cross member 30 running along thevehicle width direction extends across the dash panel 26 at a specificposition in the height direction of the dash panel 26.

Floor Cross Member Configuration

Explanation follows regarding configuration of a floor cross member.Respective floor cross members 32 extend along the vehicle widthdirection at a vehicle front-rear direction central side of the floorpanel 14, with the floor tunnel portion 16 between them. Respectivefloor cross members 34 extend at a vehicle front-rear direction rearside of the floor cross members 32.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, when sectioned along thevehicle front-rear direction, each of the floor cross members 32configures a hat shaped cross-section profile opening toward the lowerside. Although not illustrated in the drawings, a front flange portionextends out toward the front from a vehicle front-rear direction frontend portion of each of the floor cross members 32. A rear flange portionextends out toward the rear from a rear end portion of each of the floorcross members 32. The front flange portions and the rear flange portionsare respectively joined to a floor face (front face) 14B of the floorpanel 14.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, an upper flange portionextends out upward from a vehicle width direction outer end portion ofeach of the floor cross members 32. The upper flange portions are joinedto the vertical walls 22C of the rocker inner panels 22 of the rockers18. Moreover, although not illustrated in the drawings, an upper flangeportion extends out upward from a vehicle width direction inner endportion of each of the floor cross members 32. The upper flange portionsare joined to the outside of the side walls 16A of the floor tunnelportion 16. Note that the floor cross members 34 have substantially thesame configuration as the floor cross members 32, and so explanationthereof is omitted.

Reinforcement Member Configuration

Explanation follows regarding configuration of a reinforcement member.Respective reinforcement members 36 are disposed at a front portion ofthe floor panel 14 in a state angled toward the vehicle width directioninside on progression from a position on the vehicle width directionoutside and the vehicle front-rear direction front side of the floorpanel 14 (an input portion 40, described later), toward the vehiclefront-rear direction rear side. The reinforcement members 36 connect therespective rockers 18 and the floor tunnel portion 16 together.

Specifically, each of the reinforcement members 36 is formed from asteel sheet, and although not illustrated in the drawings, has across-section profile configuring a hat shape opening toward the lowerside when sectioned along the vehicle front-rear direction. Namely, eachof the reinforcement members 36 is one of what is referred to as aframework member. A front flange extends out toward the front from alower end portion of a vehicle front-rear direction front wall 36A ofeach of the reinforcement members 36. A rear flange extends out towardthe rear from a lower end portion of a vehicle front-rear direction rearwall 36B of each of the reinforcement members 36. The front flanges andthe rear flanges are joined to the front face 14B of the floor panel 14.

An upper flange portion 36C1 extends out upward from a vehicle widthdirection outer end portion of an upper wall portion 36C of each of thereinforcement members 36. The upper flange portion 36C1 is joined to thevertical wall 22C of the rocker inner panel of the rocker 18. An upperflange portion 36C2 extends out upward from a vehicle width directioninner end portion of the upper wall portion 36C of each of thereinforcement members 36. The upper flange portion 36C2 is joined to theoutside of the side wall 16A of the floor tunnel portion 16 at the frontside of the floor cross member 32.

Note that the reinforcement members 36 are framework members, andportions of inner end portions of the reinforcement members 36 may bejoined to the floor cross members 32. Such a configuration enablescollision load to be transmitted to the floor cross member in additionto the floor tunnel portion when collision load input to the vehicle ina small overlap collision or an oblique collision is transmitted throughthe reinforcement member to the floor tunnel portion.

Operation and Advantageous Effects of Vehicle Lower Portion Structure

Next, explanation follows regarding operation and advantageous effectsof the vehicle lower portion structure according to the presentexemplary embodiment.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, consider, for example, thatthe vehicle is involved in a frontal collision colliding at the vehiclewidth direction outside of a front side member, this being vehicle bodyframework, in what is referred to as a small overlap collision or anoblique collision. Note that in the following explanation, “frontalcollision” refers to a small overlap collision or an oblique collision.

In such a frontal collision, collision load is input to the rocker andthe dash panel in an oblique direction angled toward a vehicle widthdirection central side on progression along the vehicle front-reardirection. Accordingly, a bending moment toward the vehicle widthdirection inside acts on the rocker, and there could be a possibility ofthe rocker deforming in the vehicle width direction. It is thereforenecessary to reinforce the rocker in order to suppress deformation ofthe rocker.

In the present exemplary embodiment, however, as illustrated in FIG. 1and FIG. 2A, the reinforcement members 36 are disposed at the frontportion of the floor panel 14. The reinforcement members 36 are disposedangled toward the vehicle width direction inside on progression from theposition (input portion 40) on the vehicle width direction outside andvehicle front-rear direction front side of the floor panel 14 toward thevehicle front-rear direction rear side. The outer end portions of thereinforcement members 36 are joined to the respective rockers 18, andinner end portions of the reinforcement members 36 are joined to thefloor tunnel portion 16.

When the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, collision load F isinput in an oblique direction to the position on the vehicle widthdirection outside and the vehicle front-rear direction front side of thefloor panel 14 (input portion 40). As described above, eachreinforcement member 36 connects between the input portion 40 and thefloor tunnel portion 16, thereby enabling the collision load F input tothe input portion 40 to be effectively transmitted to the floor tunnelportion 16 through the reinforcement member 36. Namely, when the vehicleis involved in a small overlap collision or an oblique collision, thecollision load F can be transmitted toward the vehicle front-reardirection rear side, or to the vehicle width direction opposite side tothe collision side, through the reinforcement member 36.

This thereby enables the collision load F to be dispersed into therocker 18 and the floor tunnel portion 16 in a collision with a lateraldirection component along the vehicle width direction, such as a smalloverlap collision or an oblique collision. In particular, this enablesdeformation of the rocker 18 toward the vehicle width direction insideto be suppressed. Moreover, since the reinforcement member 36 receivesthe collision load F input to the input portion 40 as axial force, thecollision load F can be transmitted to the floor tunnel portion 16 witha minimal amount of reinforcement.

Other Exemplary Embodiments

In the exemplary embodiment described above, the rocker 18 and the floortunnel portion 16 are connected together by the reinforcement member 36,as illustrated in FIG. 2A. However, the configuration of thereinforcement member 36 is not limited thereto. Explanation followsregarding Modified Examples (1) to (5). In the following explanation,when configuration is substantially the same as that of other exemplaryembodiments, the same reference numerals are appended, and explanationthereof may be omitted.

(1) In the present exemplary embodiment, the upper flange portion 36C2formed to the vehicle width direction inner end portion of eachreinforcement member 36 is joined to the outside of the side wall 16A ofthe floor tunnel portion 16 at the front side of the floor cross member32. However, a portion of the inner end portion of the reinforcementmember 36 may be joined to the floor cross member 32. In such cases,when the collision load F input to the vehicle in a frontal collision isbeing transmitted through the reinforcement member 36 to the floortunnel portion 16, the collision load F can also be transmitted to thefloor cross member 32 in addition to the floor tunnel portion 16.

In FIG. 2A, the reinforcement member 36 is joined directly to the rocker18 (input portion 40) and the floor tunnel portion 16. However, inaddition to cases in which the reinforcement member 36 is joineddirectly to the rocker 18 and the floor tunnel portion 16, the presentinvention also encompasses cases in which the reinforcement member 36 isjoined to the rocker 18 and/or to the floor tunnel portion 16 indirectlythrough another member.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3, in this example,floor reinforcement uppers 42, serving as floor side members extendingalong the vehicle front-rear direction between the rockers 18 and thefloor tunnel portion 16, are provided above the floor panel 14. Notethat FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-section illustrating a state sectionedalong line B-B in FIG. 3.

Here, each floor reinforcement upper 42 is disposed in a state spanningfrom the dash panel 26 to the floor cross member 32. However, the floorreinforcement uppers 42 may also be disposed in a state spanning fromthe dash panel 26 to the floor cross members 34.

When sectioned along the vehicle width direction, the cross-sectionprofile of the floor reinforcement upper 42 configures, for example, ahat shape open toward the lower side. Although not illustrated in thedrawings, a front flange portion extends out toward the front from avehicle front-rear direction front end portion of an upper wall portion42A of the floor reinforcement upper 42. A rear flange portion extendsout toward the rear from a rear end portion of the upper wall portion42A of the floor reinforcement upper 42. The front flange portion isjoined to the dash panel 26, and the rear flange portion is joined tothe floor cross member 32.

An outer flange portion 42B extends out horizontally toward the rocker18 from a vehicle width direction outer end portion of the floorreinforcement upper 42. An inner flange portion 42C extends outhorizontally toward the floor tunnel portion 16 from a vehicle widthdirection inner end portion of the floor reinforcement upper 42. Theouter flange portion 42B and the inner flange portion 42C are eachjoined to the front face 14B of the floor panel 14.

In the present exemplary embodiment, each of the reinforcement members36 is split into a reinforcement member 44, serving as a firstreinforcement member, and a reinforcement member 46, serving as a secondreinforcement member. The reinforcement member 44 connects the rocker 18to the floor reinforcement upper 42, and the reinforcement member 46connects the floor reinforcement upper 42 to the floor tunnel portion16.

Specifically, an upper flange portion 44A1 extends out upward from avehicle width direction outer end portion of the an upper wall portion44A of the reinforcement member 44. The upper flange portion 44A1 isjoined to the vertical wall 22C of the rocker inner panel 22 of therocker 18. Moreover, a flange portion 44A2 extends out substantiallyhorizontally from a vehicle width direction inner end portion of theupper wall portion 44A of the reinforcement member 44, so as to overlapwith a portion of a side wall 42D of the floor reinforcement upper 42.The flange portion 44A2 is joined to the upper wall portion 42A of thefloor reinforcement upper 42.

A flange portion 46A1 extends out substantially horizontally from avehicle width direction inner end portion of an upper wall portion 46Aof the reinforcement member 46, so as to overlap with a portion of aside wall 42D of the floor reinforcement upper 42. The flange portion46A1 is joined to the upper wall portion 42A of the floor reinforcementupper 42. Moreover, an upper flange portion 46A2 extends out upward froma vehicle width direction outer end portion of the upper wall portion46A of the reinforcement member 46. The upper flange portion 46A2 isjoined to the outside of the side wall 16A of the floor tunnel portion16. Namely, in the present exemplary embodiment, the reinforcementmember 36 (reinforcement members 44, 46) is indirectly joined to therocker 18 and the floor tunnel portion 16 through the floorreinforcement upper 42.

Here, the floor reinforcement upper 42 is disposed running along thevehicle front-rear direction above the floor panel 14, thereby enablingthe rigidity of the floor panel 14 itself to be raised. Joining thereinforcement member 44 to the floor reinforcement upper 42 enables aportion of the oblique direction collision load F input to the inputportion 40 in a vehicle frontal collision to be transmitted to the floorreinforcement upper 42.

The flange portion 44A2 of the reinforcement member 44 extends outsubstantially horizontally so as to overlap with a portion of the sidewall 42D of the floor reinforcement upper 42. The flange portion 44A2 isjoined to the upper wall portion 42A of the floor reinforcement upper42.

The flange portion 46A1 of the reinforcement member 46, and the upperflange portion 46A2 of the reinforcement member 46, respectively extendout such that they both overlap with a portion of the side walls 42D ofthe floor reinforcement upper 42. This thereby enables collision load(<F) transmitted to the reinforcement member 44 to be effectivelytransmitted to the floor reinforcement upper 42 and the reinforcementmember 46.

Note that explanation has been given regarding an example in which thefloor reinforcement upper 42 spans from the dash panel 26 to the floorcross member 32. However, from the perspective that it is sufficientthat the present exemplary embodiment enables the oblique directioncollision load F to be transmitted to the floor tunnel portion 16, thefloor reinforcement upper 42 need not necessarily span from the dashpanel 26 to the floor cross member 32. Accordingly, the floorreinforcement upper 42 may be configured spanning between thereinforcement member 36 and the floor cross member 32.

(2) In FIG. 2B, the reinforcement member 36 is split into thereinforcement member 44 and the reinforcement member 46 due to joiningthe reinforcement member 36 to the floor reinforcement upper 42 thatextends along the vehicle front-rear direction between the rocker 18 andthe floor tunnel portion 16. However, there is no limitation thereto,since it is sufficient that the reinforcement member 36 is respectivelyjoined to the rocker 18, the floor reinforcement upper 42, and the floortunnel portion 16.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, in a reinforcement member 48, anupper flange portion 48A1 extends out upward from a vehicle widthdirection outer end portion of an upper wall portion 48A, and the upperflange portion 48A1 is joined to the vertical wall 22C of the rockerinner panel 22 of the rocker 18. A flange portion 48A2 extends out froma vehicle width direction inner end portion of the upper wall portion48A of the reinforcement member 48, and the flange portion 48A2 isjoined to the outside of the side wall 16A of the floor tunnel portion16.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a projection portion 50 thatprojects out upwards so as to conform with the shape of the floorreinforcement upper 42 and overlap with portions of the side walls 42D,is provided at a length direction central portion of the reinforcementmember 48. An upper wall portion 50A of the projection portion 50 isjoined to the upper wall portion 42A of the floor reinforcement upper42. This thereby enables the reinforcement member 48 to be joined to thefloor reinforcement upper 42 in a non-split state.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement member 48 isprovided with the projection portion 50, and the upper wall portion 50Aof the projection portion 50 is joined to the upper wall portion 42A ofthe floor reinforcement upper 42. This thereby enables a portion of theoblique direction collision load F input to the input portion 40 in afrontal collision of the vehicle to be transmitted to the floorreinforcement upper 42 through the projection portion 50.

(3) Other than FIG. 2B, for example as illustrated in FIG. 2D, aninclined wall 52B may be formed in the vicinity of the floor tunnelportion 16, inclining downward on progression toward the floor tunnelportion 16 side from a vehicle width direction inner end portion of anupper wall portion 52A of a reinforcement member 52. The inclined wall52B absorbs a height direction gap between the upper wall portion 52A ofthe reinforcement member 52 and the front face 14B of the floor panel14.

A flange portion 52B1 extends out horizontally from a lower end portionof the inclined wall 52B toward the floor tunnel portion 16 side. Theflange portion 52B1 is joined to the front face 14B of the floor panel14. Namely, in the present exemplary embodiment, the reinforcementmember 52 is indirectly joined to the rocker 18 and the floor tunnelportion 16 through the floor panel 14.

The present exemplary embodiment makes it possible to weld a vehiclewidth direction inner end portion of the reinforcement member 52 alongthe vehicle up-down direction, thereby increasing productivity incomparison to when the upper flange portion 36C2 is joined to the sidewall 16A of the floor tunnel portion 16, as in the reinforcement member36 illustrated in FIG. 2A.

Note that as illustrated in FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F, such a configurationmay also be applied in cases in which the floor reinforcement upper 42extends along the vehicle front-rear direction between the rocker 18 andthe floor tunnel portion 16. In FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F, the methods forjoining the reinforcement member 52 and the floor reinforcement upper 42together are substantially the same as those illustrated in FIG. 2B andFIG. 2C respectively, and so explanation thereof is omitted.

(4) In FIG. 2A, the floor tunnel portion 16 extending in the vehiclefront-rear direction is integrally formed at the vehicle width directioncentral portion of the floor panel 14. However, the configurations ofthe floor panel and the floor tunnel portion are not limited thereto.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, a floor panel 54 may have asplit configuration centered on a floor tunnel portion 56.

Here, the cross-section profile of the floor tunnel portion 56 takenalong the vehicle width direction forms a mountain portion 56A openingtoward the lower side, and a valley portion 56B formed at a base portionof the mountain portion 56A. A flange portion 56B1 extends out in ahorizontal direction from an outer edge portion of the valley portion56B, and the flange portion 56B1 is joined to a back face 54A of thefloor panel 54.

An upper flange portion 54B extends out upward on the floor tunnelportion 56 side of the floor panel 54. The upper flange portion 54B isjoined to the outside of the mountain portion 56A of the floor tunnelportion 56. The upper flange portion 36C2 of the reinforcement member 36is joined to the upper flange portion 54B. Note that forming the valleyportion 56B to the floor tunnel portion 56 increases the rigidity of thefloor tunnel portion 56 itself.

Note that as illustrated in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, such a configurationmay also be applied in cases in which the floor reinforcement upper 42extends along the vehicle front-rear direction between the rocker 18 andthe floor tunnel portion 56.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 4D, the configuration of the floorpanel 54 and the floor tunnel portion 56 may be applied in place of thefloor panel 14 (including the floor tunnel portion 16) illustrated inFIG. 2D. Note that the reinforcement member 52 is formed with theinclined wall 52B inclining downward on progression toward the floortunnel portion 56 side in the vicinity of the floor tunnel portion 56.The flange portion 52B1 extends out from the lower end portion of theinclined wall 52B, and the flange portion 52B1 is at a positioncorresponding to the valley portion 56B of the floor tunnel portion 56.The flange portion 52B1 is joined to a front face 54C of the floor panel54.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 4E and FIG. 4F, the floor panel 54 andthe floor tunnel portion 56 may be respectively applied in place of thefloor panel 14 illustrated in FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F.

(5) In FIG. 2A, the reinforcement member 36 is disposed above the floorpanel 14; however, there is no limitation thereto. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 5A, a reinforcement member 58 may be disposed belowthe floor panel 14.

When sectioned along the vehicle front-rear direction, the cross-sectionprofile of the reinforcement member 58 forms a hat shape opening towardthe upper side. A front flange extends out toward the front from a lowerend portion of a vehicle front-rear direction front wall 58A1 of thereinforcement member 58. A rear flange extends out toward the rear froma lower end portion of a vehicle front-rear direction rear wall (notillustrated in the drawings) of the reinforcement member 58. The frontflange and the rear flange are joined to a back face 14C of the floorpanel 14.

An inclined wall 58B that is inclined upward on progression toward therocker 18 side is formed from a vehicle width direction outer endportion of a lower wall portion 58A of the reinforcement member 58. Aflange portion 58C extends out horizontally toward the rocker 18 from alower end portion of the inclined wall 58B, and the flange portion 58Cis joined to a lower wall 22D of the rocker inner panel 22 of the rocker18. A vehicle width direction inner end portion of the lower wallportion 58A of the reinforcement member 58 is formed with an upperflange 58D that heads upward, and the upper flange 58D is joined to theinside of the side wall 16A of the floor tunnel portion 16.

Disposing the reinforcement member 58 below the floor panel 14 enables alarger space inside the vehicle cabin 12 than when the reinforcementmember 36 is disposed above the floor panel 14 as illustrated in FIG.2A. Welding along the vehicle up-down direction is also enabled at thevehicle width direction outer end portion of the reinforcement member58. This thereby improves productivity in comparison to cases in whichthe upper flange portion 36C1 is joined to the vertical wall 22C of therocker inner panel 22 of the rocker 18, as in the reinforcement member36 illustrated in FIG. 2A.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, a floor reinforcement lower 60,serving as a floor side member running along the vehicle front-reardirection between the rocker 18 and the floor tunnel portion 16, may bedisposed at the back face 14C of the floor panel 14.

When sectioned along the vehicle width direction, the cross-sectionprofile of the floor reinforcement lower 60 configures, for example, ahat shape open toward the lower side. An outer flange portion 60Aextends out horizontally toward the rocker 18 from a vehicle widthdirection outer end portion of the floor reinforcement lower 60. Aninner flange portion 60B extends out horizontally toward the floortunnel portion 16 side from a vehicle width direction inner end portionof the floor reinforcement lower 60. The outer flange portion 60A andthe inner flange portion 60B are respectively joined to the back face14C of the floor panel 14.

In the present exemplary embodiment, since the reinforcement member 58is disposed below the floor panel 14, the reinforcement member 58 issplit into the reinforcement member 44 and the reinforcement member 46.The reinforcement member 44 connects the rocker 18 and the floorreinforcement lower 60 together. The reinforcement member 46 connectsthe floor reinforcement lower 60 and the floor tunnel portion 16together.

As illustrated in FIG. 5C, a projection portion 50 that projects outupward may be provided at a length direction central portion of thereinforcement member 58, and an upper wall portion 50A of the projectionportion 50 may be joined to a lower wall portion 60C of the floorreinforcement lower 60. This thereby enables the reinforcement member 58to be joined to the floor reinforcement lower 60 in a non-split state.

Providing the projection portion 50 to the reinforcement member 58, andjoining the upper wall portion 50A of the projection portion 50 to thelower wall portion 60C of the floor reinforcement lower 60 in thismanner, enables a portion of the oblique direction collision load Finput to the input portion 40 in a vehicle frontal collision to betransmitted to the floor reinforcement lower 60 through the projectionportion 50.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, thereinforcement member 58 is disposed below the floor panel 14. However,in consideration of the load transmission efficiency from the rocker 18to the floor tunnel portion 16, the configuration in which thereinforcement member 48 is disposed above the floor panel 14, asillustrated in FIG. 2A, is preferable.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 5D, a reinforcement member may besplit into a reinforcement member 62 and a reinforcement member 64. Whensectioned along the vehicle width direction, the cross-section profileof the reinforcement member 62 configures a hat shape opening toward thelower side. An upper flange portion 62A1 extends out upward from avehicle width direction outer end portion of an upper wall portion 62Aof the reinforcement member 62, and the upper flange portion 62A1 isjoined to the vertical wall 22C of the rocker inner panel 22 of therocker 18. An inclined wall 62B inclining toward the lower side onprogression toward the floor tunnel portion 16 side is formed at avehicle width direction inner end side of the upper wall portion 62A ofthe reinforcement member 62. A flange portion 62B1 extends outhorizontally toward the floor tunnel portion 16 side from a lower endportion of the inclined wall 62B, and the flange portion 62B1 is joinedto the front face 14B of the floor panel 14.

When sectioned along the vehicle width direction, the cross-sectionprofile of the reinforcement member 64 configures a hat shape openingtoward the upper side. An inclined wall 64B inclining upward onprogression toward the rocker 18 side is formed at a vehicle widthdirection outer end portion of a lower wall 64A of the reinforcementmember 64 so as to correspond the inclined wall 62B of the reinforcementmember 62 in the vehicle up-down direction. A flange portion 64B1extends out horizontally toward the rocker 18 side from an upper endportion of the inclined wall 64B. The flange portion 64B1 is joined tothe back face 14C of the floor panel 14. An upper flange portion 64A1 isformed extending out upward from a vehicle width direction inner endportion of the lower wall 64A of the reinforcement member 64. The upperflange portion 64A1 is joined to the inside of the side wall 16A of thefloor tunnel portion 16.

Accordingly, the oblique direction collision load F input to the inputportion 40 in a vehicle frontal collision is transmitted to thereinforcement member 64 disposed below the floor panel 14 from thereinforcement member 62 disposed above the floor panel 14 and throughthe floor panel 14. Moreover, the oblique direction collision load F canalso be transmitted through the reinforcement member 64 to the floortunnel portion 16. This thereby enables, in the present exemplaryembodiment, the space inside the vehicle cabin 12 to be made larger, andalso enables improved load transmission efficiency.

Note that the inclined wall 62B is formed at the vehicle width directioninner end side of the reinforcement member 62. However, as illustratedin FIG. 5E, the inclined wall 62B is not formed in cases in which thefloor reinforcement upper 42 is disposed at the front face 14B of thefloor panel 14. In such cases, a vehicle width direction inner endportion 62C of the upper wall portion 62A of the reinforcement member 62is joined to the upper wall portion 42A of the floor reinforcement upper42. The floor reinforcement upper 42 is disposed so as to correspondwith the reinforcement member 64 in the vehicle up-down direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 5F, the vehicle width direction inner end portion62C of the reinforcement member 62 may be formed in a crank shapeconforming to the shape of the floor reinforcement upper 42. Increasingthe overlapping amount between the inner end portion 62C of thereinforcement member 62 and the floor reinforcement upper 42 in thismanner enables effective transmission of collision load (<F) transmittedto the reinforcement member 62 to the floor reinforcement upper 42. Notethat here, the inner end portion 62C is illustrated in a state separatedfrom the upper wall portion 42A.

(6) Moreover, in each of the exemplary embodiments described above (FIG.5A to FIG. 5F), the floor panel 54 may be applied with a splitconfiguration centered on the floor tunnel portion 56, as illustrated inFIG. 6A to FIG. 6F respectively. In such cases, for example, the upperflange 58D formed to the vehicle width direction inner end portion ofthe reinforcement member 58 illustrated in FIG. 6A is joined to theoutside of the mountain portion 56A of the floor tunnel portion 56. Theupper flange portion 54B of the floor panel 54 is joined to the upperflange 58D.

As illustrated in FIG. 6B to FIG. 6F, the floor panel 54 and the floortunnel portion 56 may respectively be applied in place of the floorpanel 14 illustrated in FIG. 5B to FIG. 5F.

(7) Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 5A to FIG. 5C, the reinforcement member 58 is disposed below thefloor panel 14, and the space inside the vehicle cabin 12 is madelarger. However, as illustrated in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C respectively,configuration may be made in which the floor reinforcement uppers 42 aredisposed running along the vehicle front-rear direction over the frontface 14B of the floor panel 14. This thereby enables the rigidity of thefloor panel 14 itself to be raised.

As illustrated in FIG. 5D, in the present exemplary embodiment, areinforcement member is split into the reinforcement member 62 and thereinforcement member 64. The reinforcement member 62 is joined to thefront face 14B of the floor panel 14, and the reinforcement member 64 isjoined to the back face 14C of the floor panel 14. However, asillustrated in FIG. 7D, the floor reinforcement lower 60 may be disposedrunning along the vehicle front-rear direction at the back face 14C ofthe floor panel 14. In such a configuration, a flange portion 64Cextends out horizontally toward the rocker 18 side from a vehicle widthdirection outer end portion of the lower wall 64A of the reinforcementmember 64, and the flange portion 64C is joined to the lower wallportion 60C of the floor reinforcement lower 60. Note that in FIG. 7Eand FIG. 7F, the configuration of the reinforcement member 64 and thefloor reinforcement lower 60 in FIG. 7D is applied to the respectiveconfigurations illustrated in FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F.

(8) In each of the exemplary embodiments (FIG. 7A to FIG. 7F) describedabove, the floor panel 54 may be applied with a split configurationcentered on the floor tunnel portion 56, as illustrated in FIG. 8A toFIG. 8F respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C, a lowerflange portion 58E may extend out downward from a vehicle widthdirection inner end portion of the reinforcement member 58, and thelower flange portion 58E may be joined to an inclined face 56B2 of thevalley portion 56B of the floor tunnel portion 56. Note that in FIG. 8Eto FIG. 8F, a lower flange portion 64D extends out downward from avehicle width direction inner end portion of the reinforcement member64, and the lower flange portion 64D is joined to the inclined face 56B2of the valley portion 56B of the floor tunnel portion 56.

The shapes of the reinforcement members 36, 48, 52, the floorreinforcement upper 42, the floor reinforcement lower 60 and the likedescribed in the above exemplary embodiments may be modified asappropriate.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Next, explanation follows regarding a vehicle lower portion structureaccording to a second exemplary embodiment. Note that explanationregarding content substantially the same as that of the vehicle lowerportion structure according to the first exemplary embodiment isomitted.

Vehicle Lower Portion Structure Configuration

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the vehicle lower portion structureaccording to the first exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement members36 disposed at the front portion of the floor panel 14 connect therockers 18 and the floor tunnel portion 16 together. However, it issufficient that the reinforcement members 36 are capable of connectingthe rockers 18 and the floor tunnel portion 16 together in a stateangled toward the vehicle width direction inside on progression from theinput portion 40 positioned on the vehicle width direction outside andthe vehicle front-rear direction front side of the floor panel 14 towardthe vehicle front-rear direction rear side.

In the present invention, “connects” encompasses cases in which areinforcement member is joined to the input portion and/or to the floortunnel portion indirectly through another member. Depending on thevehicle model, sometimes an interposed member 72, formed as an extensionof the dash panel 26 or the dash cross member 30, is provided at theinside of the rocker 18 at the input portion. Accordingly, in thepresent exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, explanationfollows regarding an example in which the reinforcement member 36connects the interposed member 72 and the floor tunnel portion 16together.

The interposed member 72 illustrated in FIG. 10A is formed in a stateextending from the dash panel 26. For example, although not illustratedin the drawings, when sectioned along the vehicle front-rear direction,the cross-section profile of the interposed member 72 configures a hatshape opening toward the lower side. A rear wall portion 72A1 isprovided at a vehicle front-rear direction rear end portion of an upperwall portion 72A of the interposed member 72, and a rear flange portionextends out toward the rear from a lower end portion of the rear wallportion 72A1. The rear flange portion is joined to the front face 14B ofthe floor panel 14.

An upper flange portion 72A1 extends out upward from a vehicle widthdirection outer end portion of the upper wall portion 72A of theinterposed member 72. The upper flange portion 72A1 is joined to thevertical wall 22C of the rocker inner panel 22 of the rocker 18. Aninclined wall 72B (see FIG. 9) inclined downward on progression towardthe floor tunnel portion 16 side is formed from a vehicle widthdirection inner end portion of the upper wall portion 72A of theinterposed member 72. A flange portion 72B1 extends out horizontallytoward the floor tunnel portion 16 side from a lower end portion of theinclined wall 72B, and the flange portion 72B1 is joined to the frontface 14B of the floor panel 14.

An outer flange portion 36D extends out horizontally toward theinterposed member 72 from a vehicle width direction outer end portion ofthe upper wall portion 36C of the reinforcement member 36. The outerflange portion 36D is joined to the upper wall portion 72A of theinterposed member 72. An upper flange portion 36C2 extends out upwardfrom a vehicle width direction inner end portion of the upper wallportion 36C of the reinforcement member 36, and the upper flange portion36C2 is joined to the outside of the side wall 16A of the floor tunnelportion 16 at the front side of the floor cross member 32. Note that aportion of an inner end portion of the reinforcement member 36 may bejoined to the floor cross member 32.

Vehicle Lower Portion Structure Operation and Advantageous Effects

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the first exemplary embodiment, thereinforcement member 36 connects the rocker 18 and the floor tunnelportion 16 together. However, in the present exemplary embodiment, asillustrated in FIG. 9, the reinforcement member 36 is connected to therocker 18 through the interposed member 72, thereby connecting therocker 18 and the floor tunnel portion 16 together through theinterposed member 72.

Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, the interposed member72 is provided between the rocker 18 and the reinforcement member 36.However, the collision load F input to the rocker 18 can be transmittedto the reinforcement member 36 through the rocker 18 and the interposedmember 72. Moreover, collision load (<F) transmitted to thereinforcement member 36 can be transmitted to the floor tunnel portion16 through the reinforcement member 36.

Other Exemplary Embodiments

(1) As illustrated in FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C, the floor reinforcementupper 42 may be disposed running along the vehicle front-rear directionabove the floor panel 14. In such cases, the configuration of a vehiclelower portion structure 70 is substantially the same as theconfiguration of the vehicle lower portion structure 10 illustrated inFIG. 2B and FIG. 2C. Note that FIG. 10B illustrates a configurationapplied with the reinforcement members 44, 46 and the floorreinforcement upper 42 of FIG. 2B. FIG. 10C illustrates a configurationapplied with the reinforcement member 48 and the floor reinforcementupper 42 of FIG. 2C.

Note that in FIG. 10B, a flange portion 44B extends out from a vehiclewidth direction outer end portion of the upper wall portion 44A of thereinforcement member 44. The flange portion 44B is joined to the upperwall portion 72A of the interposed member 72. In FIG. 10C, a flangeportion 48B extends out from a vehicle width direction outer end portionof the upper wall portion 48A of the reinforcement member 48. The flangeportion 48B is joined to the upper wall portion 72A of the interposedmember 72.

As illustrated in FIG. 10D, in place of the reinforcement member 36illustrated in FIG. 10A, an inclined wall 52B may be formed at a vehiclewidth direction inner end portion of the upper wall portion 52A of thereinforcement member 52, and a flange portion 52B1 extending out from alower end portion of the inclined wall 52B may be joined to the frontface 14B of the floor panel 14. Likewise in FIG. 10E and FIG. 10F,similarly to in FIG. 10D, in place of the reinforcement members 46, 48in FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C, an inclined wall 52B may be formed at avehicle width direction inner end portion of the upper wall portion 52Aof the reinforcement member 52, and a flange portion 52B1 extending outfrom a lower end portion of the inclined wall 52B may be joined to thefront face 14B of the floor panel 14.

(2) As illustrated in FIG. 11A to FIG. 11F, the floor panel 54 of FIG.10A to FIG. 10F described above may have a split configuration centeredon the floor tunnel portion 56. In such cases, the respectiveconfigurations of the floor panel 54 and the floor tunnel portion 56 maybe applied in place of the floor panel 14 illustrated in FIG. 10A toFIG. 10F.

(3) As illustrated in FIG. 12A to FIG. 12F, a reinforcement member 58may be disposed below the floor panel 14. FIG. 12A to FIG. 12Crespectively illustrate application of the configurations of thereinforcement member 58 illustrated in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C in such cases,and FIG. 12D to FIG. 12F respectively illustrate application of theconfigurations of the reinforcement member 64 illustrated in FIG. 5D toFIG. 5F in such cases. Note that a flange portion 62B extends out from avehicle width direction outer end portion of the upper wall portion 62Aof the reinforcement member 62 illustrated in FIG. 12E and FIG. 12F, andthe flange portion 62B is joined to the upper wall portion 72A of theinterposed member 72.

(4) In the configurations of FIG. 12A to FIG. 12F, as illustrated inFIG. 13A to FIG. 13F, configuration may be made with the floor panel 54that has a split configuration centered on the floor tunnel portion 56.In such cases, the respective configurations of the floor panel 54 andthe floor tunnel portion 56 are applied in place of the floor panel 14illustrated in FIG. 12A to FIG. 12F.

(5) As illustrated in FIG. 14A to FIG. 14F, in the configurations ofFIG. 12A to FIG. 12F, the floor reinforcement upper 42 running along thevehicle front-rear direction and the reinforcement member 62 may bedisposed above the floor panel 14. In such cases, in FIG. 14A to FIG.14F, the respective configurations of the reinforcement member 42 andthe floor reinforcement upper 62 illustrated in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7F areapplied.

(6) In the configurations of FIG. 14A to FIG. 14F, as illustrated inFIG. 15A to FIG. 15F, configuration may be made with the floor panel 54that has a split configuration centered on the floor tunnel portion 56.In such cases, the respective configurations of the floor panel 54 andthe floor tunnel portion 56 are applied in place of the floor panel 14illustrated in FIG. 14A to FIG. 14F.

The configurations illustrated in FIG. 12 to FIG. 15 are provided withthe interposed member 72, and the reinforcement member 58 connects therocker 18 and the floor tunnel portion 16 (floor tunnel portion 56)together. Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, explanation hasbeen given in which the interposed member 72 is an extension portion ofthe dash panel 26. However, the interposed member 72 may be an extensionportion of the dash cross member 30, or may be a separate member to thedash panel 26 and the dash cross member 30.

In the configurations described above, the reinforcement members 36 andthe like are disposed on both vehicle width direction sides of the floorpanel 14 with the floor tunnel portion 16 between them. However, it issufficient that the reinforcement member 36 and the like are provided onat least one side.

Explanation has been given regarding individual exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention; however, the present invention is not limited tosuch exemplary embodiments, and the exemplary embodiments and variousmodified examples may be employed in appropriate combinations, andobviously various configurations may be implemented within a range notdeparting from the spirit of the present invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vehicle lower portion structurecomprising: a rocker that is provided running along a vehicle front-reardirection at a vehicle width direction outside of a floor panelconfiguring a floor portion of a vehicle cabin; a floor tunnel portionthat extends along the vehicle front-rear direction at a vehicle widthdirection central portion of the floor panel; and a reinforcement memberthat is disposed at a vehicle front-rear direction front portion of thefloor panel, that is angled toward a vehicle width direction inside onprogression toward the vehicle front-rear direction rear side from aninput portion, the input portion being located at a position at avehicle width direction outside and at the vehicle front-rear directionfront side of the floor panel and being input with a collision load inthe event of a frontal small overlap collision or a frontal obliquecollision at the vehicle width direction outside of the vehicle, andthat connects the input portion and the floor tunnel portion together,the reinforcement member receiving the collision load as axial force,wherein: a dash panel is provided at the front portion of the floorpanel so as to partition the vehicle cabin from a power unit room formedat a vehicle front-rear direction front side of the vehicle cabin, and avehicle front-rear direction front portion of the reinforcement memberis connected to either the dash panel, or to a dash cross memberextending along the vehicle width direction at the dash panel.
 2. Thevehicle lower portion structure of claim 1, wherein the vehiclefront-rear direction front portion of the reinforcement member is alsoconnected to the rocker.
 3. The vehicle lower portion structure of claim1, wherein: a floor cross member spans between the rocker and the floortunnel portion in the vehicle width direction, and at least a portion ofa vehicle front-rear direction rear portion of the reinforcement memberis joined to the floor cross member.